Backing bid to boost tourism in Sri Lanka

A bid to boost visitor numbers to Sri Lanka is being backed by West Midlands MEP James Carver.

He spoke at a European Parliament cross party event in Brussels this week, organised by the Sri Lankan embassy to promote tourism which accounts for more than 11 per cent of the island’s gross domestic product.

Mr Carver said the industry supports 200,000 jobs directly and many thousands more rely on it, with investment being ploughed in to open up even more areas of Sri Lanka, which is blessed with incredible natural beauty, a rich culture and a wealth of wildlife.

The UKIP MEP said: “I have visited as a tourist and it is such a beautiful place and the people are so friendly and hospitable.

“I am a great supporter of the Commonwealth of Nations, to which, of course, Sri Lanka belongs and was impressed by the work being done to encourage more tourism, to enable these very friendly people to show off their beautiful homeland and expand their economy."